King Angel Care Guide
Holacanthus passer is an Eastern Pacific marine angelfish ranging from the Gulf of California to Peru, listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Overview
Holacanthus passer, the King angel, is a marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae, described by Valenciennes in 1846. It occurs in the Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 35.6 cm. Adults are mostly dark with a vertical light bar; juveniles are orange-yellow.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Holacanthus
- Scientific name: Holacanthus passer
- Described by: Valenciennes, 1846
Habitat
The species is reef-associated and non-migratory, found on rocky tropical reefs at depths of about 4-30 m, often in crevices of large rocks. It occupies the middle and bottom of the water column and favours sea walls and isolated boulders.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1500 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Water type: marine (saltwater)
Diet
It is a diurnal grazer specialising in sponges, alongside other sessile invertebrates, zooplankton and benthic microalgae. In the Mexican Pacific it has been reported to consume up to 23 of 24 local sponge species. Juveniles also exhibit cleaning behaviour toward other fishes.
Compatibility
A large semi-aggressive angelfish that is not reef-safe; sponges and soft corals are at risk. The species is monogamous and pairs occupy home ranges. Other large angels are best avoided, while robust tankmates such as triggers, large wrasses and tangs suit very large systems.
Breeding
Holacanthus passer is oviparous and monogamous; according to FishBase, pairs spawn daily throughout the lunar cycle, with reproduction occurring in late summer. Protogyny has been proposed but awaits confirmation.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009). The species is used in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade; Mexico granted it special protection status in 1996 in response to overfishing.